Basketball Official Raps Ben-Ari Loyalty Oath Proposal

Chairman Shai Shani of the Israel Basketball Union criticized as "dangerous", Sunday evening, a proposal by Member of Knesset Michael Ben-Ari which would require members of the national basketball team to sign an oath of loyalty to Israel, its symbols and its Jewish democratic values. The proposal would also require that members of the team know the words to the national anthem.

Shani said players don't have to prove their loyalty, calling sports a unifying factor. He added that wearing the national uniform represents the sport and not a religion. He pointed out that a junior femaile captain is loyal without being Jewish, adding the team has not checked religion and does not plan to. Shani called on other Knesset members not to support the measure.